Village, Engineers Union Ok Terms Of 4-year Contract For 13 Workers

South Elgin officials and the union representing public works employees have agreed to a four-year contract, ending nearly 18 months of negotiations since the union was formed in February, 1999.

The pact with Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers covers six maintenance workers, three building inspectors, a water system operator, a mechanic and two laborer/custodians.

The 13 union members will receive pay increases of 4.55 to 8.12 percent retroactive to May 1 plus a one-time payment of $500 apiece. The contract calls for raises every May 1, beginning with a 3.5-percent increase in 2001 followed by raises of 4 percent in 2002 and 3.75 percent in 2003.

The agreement resolves all outstanding issues between the union and the village, including unfair labor practice charges.

"It's great to get this done. We can now focus our efforts on continuing to improve our public works operations to provide the best service to the community," said Village President Rick Zirk.

The Village Board and union representatives agreed to the contract in July, but it was not until Aug. 3 that attorneys finalized the pact. Details were released after Monday night's board meeting.